Mobile Devices and Physical Education

Bonnie Mohnsen, Ph.D.Bonnie’s Fitware Inc.

bmohnsen@pesoftware.com

November 1, 2009

There was a time when there were only a few choices for fitness, record book, and other types of data collection on the field. Today, there are numerous choices, and this white paper will help you select the best device/application for your needs.

HistoryOn field assistance began with scantron forms. Teachers filled in bubbles corresponding to fitness scores or attendance, and then scanned the sheets when back in the office. Next came Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), such as the Sharp Wizard and PSION Organizer followed by the short lived Apple Newton. Attendance, grading, and fitness reporting applications were written for these devices.

In 1995 the Palm Pilot was released and thousands of applications were written for this device. Applications specific for physical educators included fitness reporting, sport stats, grading, locker systems, and much much more. The Palm Pilot ran the Palm OS (operating system), and over the next ten years the device increased in memory and function. Not to be outdone, Microsoft created Windows CE OS followed by various versions of Windows OS. Several manufacturers developed pocket computers that used these operating systems.

In 2005 smart phones began to appear. Operating systems included Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Symbian, OSX (for iPod Touch and iPhone), Android, and webOS (new operating system from Palm). Today, physical educators use these devices to collect data while on the field.

Mobile DevicesPhysical educators were limited to Windows Mobile OS and Palm OS during the early 21st century; today physical educators have a wide variety of options ranging from ultra mobile devices to PDAs to smart phones. An ultra-mobile computer (UMPC) is a very light weight (less than 1.5 pounds) convertible tablet that runs a full version of Windows with a 4-to-7 inch screen. UMPCs are typically the size of a paperback book (approximately 6” x 4” and 1.5” thick) and fit conveniently in a fanny pack. These devices typically come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability as well as a variety (albeit one of each) of ports.

Personal digital assistants (PDA) weigh less than one pound, are battery operated, and fit in one hand. A stylus along with a mini-keyboard is used for import. Most come with memory slots for external storage and some have wireless capabilities. Smart phones are rapidly replacing most PDAs, since they have all the capabilities of PDAs and more. They use cell phone network technology (and sometimes WiFi as an alternative) to send and receive data (e.g., Web browsing, file transfers, email). Smart phones also allow individual users to install, configure, and run applications of their choosing. Popular programs include fitness reporting, record keeping, and fitness applications. These devices also typically come with a camera and can play audio and video files.

One popular example of a smart phone is the iPhone. The iPhone is an Internet-connected, multimedia Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) smart phone by designed Apple, Inc. Its capacitive touchscreen is designed for a bare finger, or multiple fingers for multitouch sensing. You can zoom in to pictures and Web pages by pinching your fingers together, and you can zoom out by spreading them apart. Internet access is available when the iPhone is connected to a local area WiFi or cell phone network. Print applications also are available (e.g., Print & Share). The iPod touch (similar to the iPhone without the phone capabilities) is a little smaller and weighs a little less than the iPhone, and does not currently include a camera. Other popular options include Blackberries, LG phones running Windows Mobile OS, and Google G2 running Android Operating System.

Decision Making Chart

Mobile Operating SystemsBefore choosing applications it is important to know which operating system you are using. The options include: Palm OS, Palm webOS, Windows Mobile, Android, Blackberry, Symbian OS, and OSX. Each operating system requires applications designed specifically for its platform. There are third party developers designing applications for these platforms.

Palm OSPalm OS is an operating system initially developed by Palm, Inc. for its line of personal digital assistants (PDAs). Instead of attempting full handwriting recognition, early Palm devices recognized a slightly modified version of English lettering called Graffiti. Palm OS is designed for ease of use with a touchscreen-based graphical user interface. It has a suite of basic applications (e.g., calendar, address book) for personal information management. Devices running this OS have been replaced by Palm webOS (see below).

Palm webOSPalm webOS is a smart phone platform, powered by Linux and developed by Palm. The Palm Pre and Palm Pixi smart phones are the first devices to use webOS. The webOS features online social network and Web 2.0 integration. Its graphical user interface is designed for use on devices with touchscreens. It also includes a suite of applications for personal information management, and uses both cell phone and wi-fi networking.

Windows MobileWindows Mobile is a compact version of Windows OS. It includes a suite of basic applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet) and is designed for devices ranging from Pocket PCs to smart phones, to portable media centers. The most current version is Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional for devices with mobile phone capabilities and Windows Mobile 6.5 Classic for devices without mobile phone capabilities. Most devices using Windows Mobile use both cell phone and wi-fi networking.

AndroidAndroid is a mobile operating system based on Linux. It was initially developed by Google to create a system that could work on phones built by different manufacturers. It is known as an open-source application, since developers can use or adapt it for their specific needs. Google’s G-1 and G-2 phones use Android OS. G-1 and G-2 use both cell phone and wi-fi networking.

BlackberryThe Blackberry OS was specifically designed for cell phone use. It is one of the simplest systems for setting up and receiving email. Additionally, it is designed for sending text messages via Short Message Service (SMS), instant messaging, and two-way paging. Although it can do some of the same things a computer can (e.g., browse the Internet), it doesn’t have to be in a WiFi hot spot to work, since it uses the cell phone network. Applications for personal information management (e.g., calendar, organizer) are included.

SymbianThe Symbian OS, also called Series 60, is also an open-source operating system. It is used primarily by Nokia Phones and a few other cell phone companies. Since it is open-source, the specifics (e.g., functions, included applications) are left up to the developers. Most newer devices using Windows Mobile use both cell phone and wi-fi networking.

OSXOSX is the operating system used for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It is a mobile version of the Macintosh OS. This is what allows the iPhone to interact with its finger driven touch-screen. It comes with a Safari browser, calendar, mail, contacts, notes, and other applications. It accesses the Internet via cell phone and WiFi networking.

Bonnie’s Fitware Applications for Mobile DevicesIn order to run Bonnie’s Fitware applications on PDAs/smart phones, you need either FM Touch (currently only available for the iPod/iPhone, and Blackberry through connection with Windows OS) or Remote Desktop Applications (see below). FM Touch is available through the Apple App Store and the Blackberry store. Be sure to read the requirements for FM Touch to ensure compatibility with your equipment.

Remote Desktop ApplicationsVirtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows a remote device to control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse events from the mobile device (e.g., PDA, Smart phone) to the desktop computer. The system provides graphical screen updates back to the mobile device over a network. Your desktop computer must remain turned on in order to access the applications running on it. Data collection is very face since the speed of the desktop computer is used and there is no need to transfer data from the mobile device to the desktop after class.

A VNC viewer on one operating system may connect to a VNC server on the same or any other operating system. A VNC system consists of a client, a server, and a communication protocol. The VNC server is the application on the computer that shares its screen. The VNC client (viewer) is the application (also known as the remote desktop application) on the mobile device.

The PDA/smart phone is taken out to class and turned on. Then, via the remote access application, applications on your desktop are run and controlled using the mobile device. Bonnie’s Fitware Inc. designed applications for four common mobile screen sizes: 240 x 320 320 x 375 (ipod/iPhone) 360x480 480 x 360so that the entire screen fits on the mobile device. s Which Remote Desktop Application

Review the options (see highlight box on this page) and discuss the best solution for your situation with your technology folks. Points to consider include: Server (desktop computer) operating system. Client (mobile device) operating system. Level of security/encryption required. Type of network at your school.

Many of the remote desktop applications have trial versions, so it is a good idea to try them before purchasing.

Remote Desktop ApplicationsComparison of Remote Desktop Applications http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_desktop_software http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_remote_desktop http://downloads.zdnet.com/search.aspx?&kw=vnc&x=40

Types of Applications

Available for Purchase from EPEC: http://www.epec4kids.orgStandards-Based Record BookThis software provides for the collection of attendance, behavior, and standards-based grading for use on a Windows or Macintosh computer (desktop, notebook/laptop, ultra-mobile, etc.). Additional screens have been specifically designed for use with an ultra-mobile computer.

Fitness ReportThis software allows for the collection of fitness scores including curl ups, push ups, pull-ups, modified pull ups, flexed arm hang, walk/thr, mile run, pacer, shoulder stretch, back saver, sit and reach, trunk lift, skinfold, and body mass index. Produces a variety of reports and charts.

Locker SystemThe purpose of this software to provide a complete locker system for both built-in locks and padlocks.

Heart Rate/StepsThis software allows for the collection of heart rate and pedometer data using Windows or Macintosh (desktop, notebook, ultra-mobile, etc.). Produces reports and charts for students.

ClipboardThis software allows for the collection and organization of lockers, lesson plans, video inventory, music inventory, equipment inventory, and teachers.

FITT Rx™FITT Rx™ provides a quick reference tool for teacher/student use in the same way a medical doctor uses a drug prescription pad. Thus, the FITT Rx™ software program is designed to be a quick and simple method of providing a quality exercise prescription. It helps make prescription quick by providing the typical data for all of the basic exercise prescription variables: frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise.The concept behind FITT Rx™: * To store exercise prescription data with the intent to help guide a student during a workout. * To store exercise prescription data with the intent of using this information as a reference tool for students. * To teach students about the basic variables used for exercise prescription (FITT). * To present the four primary exercise prescription variables (FITT) in one quick and easy to read page. * To provide an exercise prescription model to guide the development of exercise prescription by summarizing typical formula(s) and data used for each of the four variables (FITT).

Available for Purchase from Bonnie’s Fitware http://shop.pesoftware.com

EXER RxEXER Rx provides a quick reference tool for professional use in the same way a medical doctor uses a drug prescription pad. Thus, the EXER Rx software program is designed to be a quick and simple method of providing a quality exercise prescription. It helps make prescription quick by providing the typical data for all of the basic exercise prescription variables: frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise.

Teacher Observation ProgramTeacher Observation Program (TOP) is a software application used for conducting teacher observations. It is used to measure, record, and report the duration and frequency of events that occur during the observation. Data collected includes type of feedback (8 choices), develop of skill, use of time (7 choices), trial opportunities for 3-5 students, number of students on-task (5 recordings), and 1-3 user defined fields.

Technical SpecificationsMac OS X v10.6 Intel-based Mac; 1GB of RAM

Mac OS X v10.5 PowerPC G4 (867MHz+), Power PC G5, Intel-based Mac; 512MB of RAM

Mac OS X v10.4.11 PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel-based Mac; 256 MB of RAM

Windows 7 1 GHz or faster; 1 GB RAM DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution video adapter and display

Windows Vista Ultimate, Business, Home (Service Pack 1) * 800 MHz or faster; 512 MB of RAM SVGA (1024x768) or higher resolution video adapter and display

Windows XP Professional, Home Edition (Service Pack 3) * Pentium III 700MHz or faster; 256MB of RAM SVGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution video adapter and display

Application Features

• Easy entry through drop down menus.• Editable drop down menus (you choose the values).• Fitness reports for President’s Challenge, Virginia State, California State, Connecticutt State, Missouri

State, as well as for sit and reach, shoulder stretch, pacer, mile run, wal test, trunk lift, curl ups, push ups, modified pull ups, pulls ups, flexed arm hang, percent body fat, skinfolds, and BMI.

• Standards-based grading program.• Options for all smart phones via remote desktop application.• Option for ultra mobile.• Option for FM Mobile.• Screens designed for: desktop use, ultra mobile use, and four sizes of PDAs/smart phones: - 240x320 - 320x375 (iPod/iPhone screen) - 360 x 480 - 480 x 360